GiFaRi: A Secured Data Hiding Technique in LSB based Image Steganography Using Blowfish and Edge-based Pixel Selection

Abstract

Steganography is a technique that uses cryptography to encrypt secret data, thereby passing confidential data through the transmission channel from the sender to the receiver, even though this secret data is very difficult for an intruder to capture because the data is not easily detectable. This paper, explores an innovative approach to image steganography, integrating the Blowfish encryption algorithm and an Edge-based Pixel Selection technique to enhance the security and imperceptibility of hidden data. The encryption process involves the Blowfish algorithm for robust protection of confidential information, while the Edge-based Pixel Selection method ensures discreet embedding within the image. Blowfish is a very strong algorithm because it’s key length is not fixed means variable, also it can range from 32 bits to 448 bits. This flexibility allows users to adapt the key size based on their specific security requirements. A longer key generally provides better resistance against brute-force attacks and provides data security. Furthermore, Sobel edge detection can help identify regions of an image that are less sensitive to human perception. Embedding information in regions with existing high gradients (edges) might make the modification less noticeable. The contribution of this work lies in its ability to significantly improve imperceptibility compared to existing methods, providing a strong and elegant method of data hiding in image steganography field.